The legionellosis outbreak in Linz, Austria continues to escalate. As of the 28th, 31 confirmed cases have been reported, including 3 fatalities, 4 hospitalized patients and 1 person in intensive‑care unit. Meanwhile, local authorities identified another cooling facility testing positive for Legionella on August 27.
According to the notice, the newly‑detected positive facility belongs to a commercial enterprise in Linz‑Leonding. Local health authorities are conducting investigations and coordinating disinfection work with the enterprise. More than 190 water samples from households, workplaces, accommodation premises and cooling installations have been collected so far, of which roughly two‑thirds have completed testing.
Previously, a cooling facility operated by an energy company in Linz also tested positive for Legionella. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether this facility is linked to the current infection cluster. The relevant installation has been switched to dry‑mode operation to prevent Legionella proliferation.
In addition, Austrian authorities have instructed regional administrative bodies to map the distribution of commercial evaporative cooling installations and cooling towers. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety also confirmed that Legionella was detected during routine inspections at its Vienna office site, and corrective measures have now been initiated.